Mai Tais, Tiki Mugs and Lots of Rum at VenTiki

For our third stop, TBDE hits up an early happy hour at VenTiki bar in Ventura, CA. Tiki bars are like Starbucks - perfect for a mid afternoon pick me up, especially if you're in the mood for fresh fruit, innovative flavors and of course, rum, lots of it. 

VenTiki Mai Tai

Sitting across from the most traditional tiki bar in the region, we watch as mixologist Julia Redden prepares our drinks without a hitch, almost in perfection. The VenTiki Mai Tai mixes Platino Rum, Gold Rum, Orgeat, Bols Orange Curacao, fresh lime juice, simple syrup with a dash of Whalers Dark Rum to top it off. Like all great Tiki Drinks, it is served with packed ice and a straw to sip on. 

Zombie Cocktail

Without time to rest, Julia mixes up the popular Zombie cocktail, a concoction featuring Gold Rum, Dark Rum, Lemon Hart, 151, Traditional Spices, Traditional Tiki Syrup, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice - a tradition from the original Don the Beachcomber bar in Waikiki, HI served on fire...so watch your hair!

PKVTA

Finally, a tiki excursion is not complete without a drink served in a traditional tiki mug.  The PKVTA mixes pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut, Channel Islands Grey Ghost Rum. A most amazing combination that speaks dessert without overwhelming you with the sweet.  

Check out our waterside stop in VCC and don't forget to TAG #TheBestDrinkEver on your next trip to Ventura County Coast.